Abstract

Nuclear receptors are a family of ligand-activated, DNA sequence-specific transcription
factors that regulate various aspects of animal development, cell proliferation, differentiation,
and homeostasis. The physiological roles of nuclear receptors and their ligands have
been intensively studied in cancer and metabolic syndrome. However, their role in
kidney diseases is still evolving, despite their ligands being used clinically to
treat renal diseases for decades. This review will discuss the progress of our understanding
of the role of nuclear receptors and their ligands in kidney physiology with emphasis
on their roles in treating glomerular disorders and podocyte injury repair responses.